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Simulating Interior Ballistics: A Deep Dive into 5.56 NATO Ammunition Using Python

 · 8 min read

This article explores the simulation of interior ballistics for 5.56 NATO ammunition using Python, delving into the study of processes within a firearm from primer ignition to projectile exit, and examining factors influencing ballistic performance such as propellant type, mass, barrel length, and bore area, with a developed ODE model utilizing SciPy's numerical solver to predict pressure and velocity profiles, and discussing the model's assumptions, validation, and potential applications in firearm and ammunition design optimization.
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Arthur Schopenhauer

 · 15 min read

**Arthur Schopenhauer**, a 19th-century philosopher known for his pessimistic outlook and influential ideas, particularly his concept of the "will." It then focuses on his essay **"On Noise,"** written during a time of increasing urbanization, where Schopenhauer critiques noise as a disruptive force hindering thought and well-being, categorizing it and discussing its detrimental effects. The essay emphasizes the importance of **solitude and quiet contemplation** for individual flourishing, a theme central to his broader philosophy concerning human nature, suffering, and the chaotic nature of reality. Finally, the text explores the **enduring relevance** of Schopenhauer's arguments in today's noisy, technologically saturated world, while also considering critiques that acknowledge the potential benefits of noise and the diverse human responses to it.

Radxa X4

 · 7 min read

The Radxa X4 is a powerful single-board computer (SBC) designed for developers and enthusiasts seeking desktop-grade performance in a compact form. Built around Intel’s quad-core N100 processor (3.4 GHz turbo) with integrated UHD Graphics, it supports up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, PCIe 3.0 NVMe storage, and versatile connectivity including dual 4K HDMI, 2.5G Ethernet with PoE, and Wi-Fi 6. Its x86 architecture allows native Windows 10/11 and Linux support, bridging the gap between SBCs and mini-PCs, while a 40-pin GPIO header and PCIe expansion enable robotics, AI prototyping, or NAS setups. Though it competes with ARM-based rivals like the Raspberry Pi 5 (budget-friendly) and Orange Pi 5 (octa-core AI prowess), the X4 stands out for its Intel ecosystem compatibility, faster storage options, and single-threaded performance, ideal for edge computing or lightweight desktop replacement. However, its higher price (~$120–$180), active cooling needs, and smaller community compared to Raspberry Pi’s vast ecosystem may deter casual users. In practical use, the X4 proves snappy for tasks like remote Windows 11 access via RealVNC and PoE-powered deployments, showcasing potential as a silent, energy-efficient alternative to traditional desktops for specific workflows.

Unlocking Insights into Your Amazon S3 Buckets with S3STAT

 · 11 min read

Discover how to unlock the full potential of your Amazon S3 buckets with S3STAT, a powerful tool that provides detailed insights into your storage usage patterns. Learn how to optimize performance, enhance security, and reduce costs by analyzing data transfer speeds, detecting potential security threats, and streamlining your storage infrastructure. With S3STAT, you can make data-driven decisions to improve content delivery, troubleshoot issues, and gain a deeper understanding of your cloud storage usage, ultimately leading to better management and optimization of your AWS resources.

Applying Martin Heidegger's Enframing (Gestell) to AI

 · 19 min read

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming various aspects of our lives, from work and interaction to existence itself. However, this integration also poses significant risks to human dignity, autonomy, and well-being. This article delves into the consequences of AI's "Enframing" of human experience, where individuals are constantly monitored, analyzed, and optimized, often without their knowledge or consent. It argues for a nuanced approach to AI development that prioritizes human values and dignity, and calls for critical reflection on the impact of these technologies on our shared humanity. As we navigate this complex landscape, it's crucial to consider the kind of world we want to create with AI and ensure that its benefits are shared by all, rather than controlled by a select few.

Heidegger's In-der-Welt-Sein

 · 13 min read

Explore the profound concept of "In-der-Welt-Sein" (Being-in-the-world), a philosophical idea that reveals the intricate relationship between human existence and its surroundings. This thought-provoking article delves into the significance of considering contextual and situational factors that shape our experiences, behaviors, and interactions with others and the environment. From its roots in Heidegger's philosophy to its practical implications in fields like psychology, sociology, and environmentalism, discover how this concept can help you cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and your place within the world, encouraging more authentic, sustainable, and meaningful living.

The Philosophy of Objects in Law: Unpacking the Ontologies of Jurisprudence

 · 14 min read

The interplay between nominalism and realism fundamentally influences our understanding of legal ontologies, where entities can have multiple, context-dependent identities shaped by both human designation and inherent existence. The performative power of legal language actively constructs reality, as seen in designations that grant or deny rights (e.g., declaring a substance a "controlled drug"), highlighting the significant power dynamics at play. As technology (AI, blockchain, etc.) integrates into legal systems, it raises critical questions about its impact on this performative power and the ethical responsibilities tied to entity designations. To navigate these complexities, key takeaways include the need for interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars, jurists, and technologists, prioritizing ethical assessments in technological integrations, and pursuing comparative global analyses to enhance legal discourse. Ultimately, a forward-looking approach that balances collaborative research with ethical foresight is crucial for leveraging legal ontologies to foster a more resilient, equitable, and just world.

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Retro Computing AI & Inference Hardware Projects Philosophy Economics Systems Programming

Reading Series

8+ posts Jevons Paradox & AI Economics What happens when cognitive output gets cheaper. Demand expansion, the biological ceiling, and the AI vampire. 3 parts Heidegger & Technology Enframing, standing reserve, and what happens when AI treats specifications as raw material for code generation. 8+ posts Z80 RetroShield Running a real Z80 on modern hardware. CP/M, Forth, Zork, custom PCBs, and a dual-processor design. 3 parts Sampo CPU & Compilers A custom RISC CPU from ISA design through FPGA implementation to an LLVM backend. 6 posts Tesla P40 Home Lab Four eBay GPUs, 96GB of VRAM, and every workload we can throw at them. LLMs, TTS, video generation. 3 parts The Lattice Language A programming language where mutability is a phase transition. Novel type system, bytecode VM, 100 opcodes.
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Written by Alex Jokela Software engineer by trade, tinkerer by nature, single-board computer hoarder by choice. More about me →